Ham Soup With Beans | Ham Bone
Cozy Up with a Bowl of Homemade Ham and Bean Soup
There’s something undeniably comforting about a hearty bowl of soup, especially when the weather turns chilly. And when that soup is packed with flavorful ham and tender beans? Even better! Today, we’re sharing our family’s favorite recipe for Ham and Bean Soup. It’s a classic American dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a tradition, a hug in a bowl, and a perfect way to use up that leftover ham bone!
This soup is a fantastic way to stretch your grocery budget and minimize waste. That ham bone, often discarded, is the key to building a deeply flavorful broth. Combined with simple pantry staples like beans and chicken broth, you’ll be surprised at how much flavor you can achieve with minimal effort.
What makes this Ham and Bean Soup special?
- Rich, Flavorful Broth: The ham bone is the star, imparting a smoky, savory depth that store-bought broth just can’t match.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and fiber from the beans, this soup will keep you satisfied for hours.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like carrots, celery, or onions, for extra flavor and nutrition.
Tips for the Best Ham and Bean Soup:
- Don’t skip the ham bone! It truly makes all the difference.
- Adjust the liquid: Add more water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- Mash some of the beans: This helps thicken the soup and create a creamier texture.
- Simmer, simmer, simmer: The longer the soup simmers, the more flavorful it becomes.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What kind of beans can I use?
A: Navy, white, Great Northern, or Pinto beans all work well in this soup. Use what you have on hand!
Q: Can I use a smoked ham hock instead of a ham bone?
A: Yes, a smoked ham hock will also add great flavor to the soup.
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! Simply combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, Ham and Bean Soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
Q: What can I serve with Ham and Bean Soup?
A: Crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple side salad are all great accompaniments.
We hope you enjoy this comforting and flavorful Ham and Bean Soup as much as we do! It’s a perfect meal for a cold winter day or any time you’re craving a hearty and satisfying bowl of soup.
Ham and Bean Soup
Ingredients
- 1 each ham bone
- 2 cans navy, white beans, great northern beans or pinto beans
- 1 can chicken broth
- 2 cups cubed cooked ham
- 0.5 cup water plus more as needed
- to taste pepper
Instructions
- Add a half cup water to pot and add the ham bone.
- Cook the ham bone on medium heat, turning, especially if it was frozen.
- Add 0.5 teaspoon of pepper.
- Add 2 cans of navy beans.
- Pour in can of chicken stock.
- Add additional chopped ham into pan.
- Liquid should just cover beans. If not, add water.
- Cook for 30 minutes covered, stirring on and off.
- Remove the ham bone.
- Continue to cook uncovered, stirring for 30-40 minutes.
- The liquid should reduce.
- Take a potato masher and mash some of the beans, this will help thicken the soup. Do not crush all the beans, just about a 1/3 of them.
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